The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) convened the Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in New Delhi on Wednesday, bringing together envoys from 28 nations, senior officials, industry leaders and multilateral representatives to deliberate on opportunities for collaboration in the run-up to India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled from October 27–31 in Mumbai.
The discussions, chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, underscored India’s growing role in global maritime trade, sustainable shipping, and the blue economy. Sonowal urged global partners to view India as a hub for investment and innovation, noting that the government has charted a $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap.
“India’s maritime journey is entering a new chapter under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. With transformative initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, our ports, shipping and logistics ecosystem is becoming more resilient, sustainable and future-ready,” Sonowal said.
Mega Projects and Sectoral Priorities
A sectoral presentation by R. Laxmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, showcased mega opportunities in Vadhavan Port, Galathea Bay Transhipment Port, and Tuna Tekra Terminal, alongside emerging investments in green hydrogen hubs, LNG bunkering, shipbuilding, ship recycling, and maritime industrial parks.
Delegates discussed India’s priorities in port-led development, shipbuilding capacity, and sustainable growth through the blue economy. The deliberations also stressed digitalisation in maritime logistics, the shift to green fuels and hydrogen-powered vessels, and the role of IFSC-GIFT City in maritime financing.
Envoys welcomed the government’s reform push, including five new legislations—the Bills of Lading Act, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Merchant Shipping Act, Coastal Shipping Act, and Indian Ports Act—which replace colonial-era laws and align India with global best practices.
IMW 2025: Platform for Global Partnerships
Positioned as a biennial flagship event, India Maritime Week 2025 aims to convert ideas into partnerships and investments.
“IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas can translate into projects, and commitments into partnerships. India stands ready to collaborate and lead towards a maritime future that is prosperous, sustainable and inclusive,” Sonowal added.
The outcomes of the Roundtable will feed into IMW 2025, ensuring that the global event reflects stakeholder priorities and drives international maritime collaboration.
